Clinical Waste Management for Research and Laboratories

Clinical waste from research and laboratory settings can include several types, each requiring special handling

Types of Clinical Waste

  • Sharps Waste: This includes needles, scalpels, and any other sharp objects that can puncture or cut skin. These must be disposed of in puncture-resistant containers.
  • Pathological Waste: Tissues, organs, body parts, and other biological materials fall into this category. They require special containment to prevent exposure to harmful pathogens.
  • Pharmaceutical Waste: Expired or unused medications must be disposed of in a way that prevents contamination of the environment.
  • Chemical Waste: Includes solvents, reagents, and other chemicals that require specific storage and disposal procedures to ensure safety and environmental protection.
  • General Clinical Waste: Non-sharp items contaminated with bodily fluids, such as gloves, gowns, and bandages.

Safe Storage of Clinical Waste

Proper storage of clinical waste is essential for safety and compliance. Here are key guidelines:

Use Appropriate Containers: Each type of waste should be stored in designated, clearly labelled containers. For example, sharps containers for needles and scalpels, and orange bags for infectious waste.

Secure Storage Areas: Store waste in secure, designated areas that are away from public access and well-ventilated.

Temperature Control: Certain types of waste, such as pathological waste, require refrigeration to prevent decomposition and odour.

 

Disposal of Clinical Waste

Disposing of clinical waste safely and legally involves several steps:

  1. Segregation: Ensure waste is correctly segregated at the point of origin to prevent contamination and facilitate proper disposal.
  2. Collection and Transport: Partner with a licensed waste management service to handle collection and transport, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
  3. Treatment and Disposal: Waste is typically treated through methods such as autoclaving, incineration, or chemical treatment to neutralise harmful pathogens before final disposal.

Relevant Legislation

Compliance with legislation is crucial for safe clinical waste management. Key regulations include:

  • The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005: Governs the handling and disposal of hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment.
  • The Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012: Defines and categorizes different types of waste and their management requirements.
  • The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Ensures the safety of workers handling clinical waste.

Our Services

As a local family business, we understand the importance of reliability and personal touch. We offer:

  • Convenient Collection Frequency: We tailor our collection schedule to fit your needs, ensuring timely and efficient waste removal.
  • Provision of Bins and Sacks: We supply all necessary containers and sacks to safely store and dispose of your clinical waste.
  • Personalized Service: Our team is dedicated to providing friendly and professional service, building long-lasting relationships with our clients.

 

Benefits of Choosing a Local Family Business 

  • Personalised Attention: We pride ourselves on offering a personal touch that larger companies can’t match.
  • Community Focused: Supporting a local business helps boost the local economy and fosters community development.
  • Quick Response Time: As a local business, we can respond to your needs more rapidly and efficiently.

 

We are here to ensure that your clinical waste management is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and how we can support your research and laboratory operations.